Arts & well-being

Seeking balance

I would watch my great grandmother begin her mornings by meditating with the elements of water, scent, fire and sound at a small altar. In spite of our generational & cultural differences, as an artist, our rituals are almost identical.

I was introduced to contemplative drawing practices through my Japanese sumi-e instructor, as a way of calming my hands before work.

Later I began share and expand on these teachings to learners, who found it hard to transition in to the studio from the outside world. This practice was amplified by the UK lockdowns.

 

Wondering how to incorporate wellness into your art practice?

If you (or your organisation) are seeking a guide to help you find calmness within your creative practice please reach out to me.
What I offer differs from a technical session, its about finding quiet in the process and not in realising a finished piece. Sessions are usually two hours long involving grounding, breathwork, a prompt/theme, mindful artistic activities, reflection & journaling, a gentle close. It is not therapy or an art workshop. It is a opportunity to find creative balance .

Talk at London Southbank D. Regan

Be present | Response to Covid

Geometry for wellness

Spotlight

July 2024: I collaborated on two pieces of art that were showcased at the Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA) from 6-13th. These were created by a team of seven artists including me using materials provided by the faciliting artist M. Gilbert through her UnitePlayPerform programme.

March 2022: I spoke at an artists' peer group run by Arts Health Hub at London's Southbank Centre. Here we discussed different techniques that have helped improve the well-being of artistic practice. Many factors contribute to an unhealthy workplace, including lack of funds/space/support, toxic chemicals, poor ergonomics, frustrations within the creative process, artistic envy (including social media), COVID restrictions, etc. As an artist and a drawing and painting lecturer*, I shared some of the techniques that I have used both with my learners and in my studio. The session included a practical workshop before opening the floor to a group discussion. I would later become a faciliator for the London Arts & Health Hub's artists' peer groups. *At the time I worked for N. Hertfordshire College as a Drawing and Painting Lecturer out of the Hitchin Campus (UK).